Chilli Willi and the Red Hot Peppers
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Founder | Martin Stone, Philip C. Lithman |
| Defunct | 1975 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
Key people | Jake Riviera (manager), Martin Stone, Philip C. Lithman, Paul "Dice Man" Bailey, Paul "Bassman" Riley, Pete Thomas |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Chilli Willi and the Red Hot Peppers stood out as a significant British pub rock ensemble during the early 1970s. Their management was handled by Jake Riviera, who initially served as their roadie. The band reached the height of their popularity in 1975 while participating in the "Naughty Rhythms Tour," where they shared headline status with fellow pub rock groups Dr. Feelgood and Kokomo.
History
The group traces its roots to a folk-rock partnership formed by former members of Junior's Blues Band, Martin Stone and Philip C. Lithman. Lithman relocated to San Mateo in 1971 to collaborate with an early version of The Residents, whereas Stone was involved with Savoy Brown and Mighty Baby. In 1972, they reunited to produce Kings of the Robot Rhythm, which included vocals from Jo Ann Kelly and contributions from members of Brinsley Schwarz. That same year, the lineup expanded to include Paul "Dice Man" Bailey, Paul "Bassman" Riley, and Pete Thomas.
During the following two years, Chilli Willi & The Red Hot Peppers gained recognition as a prominent live act across Britain, recording two sessions for John Peel on BBC Radio 1 in 1973 and 1974. Their last studio effort, Bongos Over Balham (1974), failed to achieve commercial success, which ultimately led to their disbandment in 1975.
After the group's dissolution, Pete Thomas became a member of Elvis Costello's backing band, The Attractions; Paul Riley collaborated with Graham Parker; Paul Bailey went on to establish Bontemps Roulez; Martin Stone joined the ranks of the Pink Fairies, later concentrating on his publishing endeavors before working alongside Wreckless Eric. Philip Lithman moved back to San Francisco to join the fully realized Residents from their third album Fingerprince, performing under the name Snakefinger.
Albums
- Kings of the Robot Rhythm (Revelation, 1972)
- Bongos Over Balham (Mooncrest, 1974)
- I'll Be Home (Proper, 1996) – compilation
- Real Sharp (The Last Music Company, 2017)
Live
- The Amazing ZigZag Concert (2010) Road Goes on Forever (RGF/ZZBOX1974) Disc 2 of a 5-CD box set featuring Starry Eyed and Laughing, Help Yourself, John Stewart, and Michael Nesmith
Singles
- "Breathe a Little" (Mooncrest, 1975)